Cardiff Blues have confirmed that fly-half Sam Norton-Knight has left the club in order to join Japanese side Sanyo Wild Knights.

The former Wallaby's stay in Wales was an unhappy one, with his place in the side eventually falling to Ceri Sweeney after a number of below-par showings. His fate at the region seemed to be sealed with the signing of Scotland's Dan Parks in January.

Norton-Knight joined the Blues from the Waratahs in 2009 as the high-profile successor for Nicky Robinson, who had joined Gloucester. Blues boss Dai Young conceded at the time that the move was a gamble given his lack of game-time at No.10 for New South Wales, although his Test caps against Wales in 2007 came at first receiver.

"Sam is a talented athlete and rugby player that sadly we did not see fulfil his full potential here in Wales," Blues CEO Robert Norster said. "On behalf of everyone at the Blues, I would like to wish Sam and his partner, Natalie, every success and happiness with their future in Japan."